Rendez-vous in Aveyron

Until fairly recently, the Aveyron was a little-known destination – even here in France. Even today, its reputation is based primarily on a few household names, such as Laguiole, Roquefort and the viaduc de Millau. And while these names tell of a rich variety of traditions and skills, they barely scratch the surface of what this extraordinary region has to offer.

Aveyron, region of contrasts

Located just south of the Massif Central, the département (or county) has its heart divided between Aquitaine, Languedoc and Auvergne. It’s a place where the north and south winds meet, bringing influences from both the mountains and the Midi. But the area's history helped to mold a strong identity, drawing from its differences to create a balanced and stronger region.

Along some 200 kilometres from north to south, Aveyron displays its contrasts, straddling torrents, breezing across prairies, and breathing in air from all around, here at the cross roads of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.

Aveyron, between tradition and modernity

In recent decades, factories producing car parts have taken their place beside the more traditional industries of Aveyron. Laguiole forges its knives and creates mouth-watering multi-starred cuisine, while Millau is renowned for high fashion gloves. From the crests of the Lévézou to the plateaux of Saint Affrique, the ewes make milk for Roquefort’s magical cheese. The calves of Ségala and the cows of the Aubrac graze on slopes and plateaus, while passing pilgrims follow ancestral paths towards Santiago di Compostella.

Day after day, Aveyron prepares for the future while maintaining a healthy respect for its natural and architectural heritage.

Aveyron, preserved landscape

The people of Aveyron have been able to protect their land from the devastation of development without hindering enterprise. They have opened up to modern ways by making very discerning decisions to do things right. Many outsiders covet the privileges of its silence and friendliness, and dream of exploring the four corners of this ever-inspiring land.

Access

By road:

From the north, Paris and the West:A20 to Figeac, then N140 (Brive-Mediterranean) via Decazeville, or A71 to Clermont-Ferrand, then A75 to Séverac.

From Lyon and the East:A47or N88 via Saint-Etienne, Le Puy and Mende or N9/A75.

From the South West:A20 via Montauban to Caussade, then D926 via Caylus, or A68/N88 via Albi and Carmaux, St Affrique, Millau.

From the South East, Marseille, Montpellier:N109 or A9, then N9/A75 via Lodève.